PASSING OUT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 23, 27 September 1913, Page 4

PASSING OUT.

file London correspondent of the

"Manchester Guardian" in an interesting note about London Shoeblack Brigade says the shoe-shining machine has at last readied perfection, and, now that those who put their pennies in the slots of these mechanical bootcleaners can depend upon getting value for money paid, the Hammersmith Borough Council is again allowing the machines to be used, and thus securing Ss a month a machine .for the privilege. The contrivance was a little erratic when first introduced, and at times was disinclined to allow people to withdraw their feet. But now the machine is fully guaranteed, and so the end of the old Shoeblack Brigade is nearer. The brigade was founded sonic fifty years ago to provide work for boys who had nothing to do. Hoot cleaning was organised o;i an elaborate scale, and the brigade had its agents all through London, and in its ime has saved many a lad from the quicksands of London life. General education of late years has kept off the streets the class of lad which' once roamed about in idleness and mischief, and modern conditions have rendered unnecessary the continuance of the old brigade. The bootblack with the red coat and peaked cap has almost passed out of existance, though even a few years ago the lads were quite'a feature of London life.